What to look for in a Cafe
 

I'm going to make the jump...Looking at 2 different Cafe Racers, one an '88, 502's and Bravo 1's. The other '85, 502's & TRS's. What to look for in the structural area ie stringers, transom, etc. Both claim to be fresh water only, and never left in the water. Price differance is about $5K.

Thanks-

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

The cafe is no different from any other boat. Have her surveyed. I bought a 89 cafe and the surveyor missed a rotted transom. My Boat was always lift stored and never left in the water. I personally would lean toward the 88 with the bravo ones. Just my .02 Good luck. Got any pic?

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

carpet

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

I'm keeping my Velocity, it goes 85+ with the 540 in it. The wife wants something bigger that has a real head and a sink. She likes the Cigs and since she's paying, guess she get to choose.... :p

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Cigarette is nice, no doubt, but its still a heavy boat that i beat regularly on a rough lake...no 'dis intended for the cigarette crew, but get used to seeing my transom this summer...with a 502 crate your ass is mine...

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

resin

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

easy new guy.....my resale will still be better than yours 10 yrs from now.. yours still says fountain, and mine says cigarette. no disrespect....

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

I wouldn't buy a Fountain after the way we were treated at the boat show and by the dealer after we drove 5 hours...

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Since your keeping the Velocity good thing the wife doesn't want a cruiser :eek: I would assume the budget doesn't allow for a 42 staggered Fountain???? (how did they get that from a 1988 cafe?) but I would also look at Formulas and even Powerquest.
I would stay away from TRS....real far away!

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Reggie???...Welcome to OffshoreOnly!!! :rolleyes: :D :D

That's about all I need to say.....just look at the photo ;) :)

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

I don't think the 85 is a cafe. It my be an old flat deck.

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Your making a wise decision, - nothing beats a cig (things may be faster) - but nothing beats a cig.

Bravo I route may be the better choice of the two though. Make sure to look at the inside of the transom and look for any "puffy" soft spots. If you dont mind replacing the transom, - it is the only way to go..

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

gt

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Mine is already paid off. ;) :cool: :drink:

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

god love her...she's a keeper bro

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

nothing for nothing but your coming of as a dick here, if you want to talk fountains, go hang with your people. dont forget the reason you bought that thing... im sure the're was a reason... like you didnt know any better at the time.. something like that im sure..

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

I second that theory, Cafe's were late'86 or early '87.

By the way, my 1986 35 is in the classifieds. # 3 Speedmasters, etc. with a recent Marine Survey.

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Go To The Forum With The Fountain, Baja Or Checkmate Owners, Stay At Your Own Level

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Graig, When Are You Selling Your Bullet

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

No plans to right now, but at some point I would love to have an older TopGun w/6's and a full stabbin' cabin :cool: :cool: :D

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

hes not selling that bullet, hes not man enough for a tg.. hes sceered... plus, his wife wont let him. i almost forgot the main reason, whats he gonna pull it with that junk box chevy!!! poor craig.. to be only half cool must suck...

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

You better check your tranny fluid Steczy!!!!

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

no respect......

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

and what are you running besides your mouth... a 28 Velocity? You may be king of your little pond, but no way, no how will you hang with Cafe in offshore conditions. period.

and please dont talk about resale...Cigarettes hold their value better than any of the boats you mentioned...

Back to the question at hand, they did not build the Cafe Racer in 1985. The boat was introduced in 1986, so I think the one mentioned above is a Mistress.

As with any boat purchase get a survey and look for moisture...

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

When you pay it off is the only day you won't be upside-down on it.

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU LL CHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spank This

:rolleyes:

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

28' Velocity with a 502 crate against my Cafe?

Hmmmmm.....

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Oh no you don't!

We don't need any trouble makers at Fountain either.

I'm sensitive enough as it is... :p

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

way too much time on your hands, cigerette lovers, when you see my transom just revel in the fact your resale is higher...but I don't think your passengers care about resale when their behind my boat...gotta go, Reggie is on hold, something about a step bottom design...a few years ahead of Skip...Adios

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

a :evilb: :evilb: :evilb:

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

your computer may have a spell check option...suggest a you use it...or is that the name of your boat... :evilb: :evilb: :evilb:

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Reggie was making step bottoms in '88?

Even my old, heavy, water-logged, non-step Cafe has walked away from a couple "high-tech" Fountains.

As for a 28' Velocity with a 502 crate motor...most people I boat with would be too embarassed to be seen in one of those...but hey...as Rodney Dangerfield once said, "looks good on you, though".

:D

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

rfox it is obvious that you are just trying to get us cig guys worked up, and you really cant be serious with all that bs, but if some reason you really believe these dreams i have a cafe for you to run. i will guarantee you wont pass mine on any water condition. as for resale my 1989 is worth more now than what you paid for yours new.
Sean thanks for the deal on the headers they are perfect.
Allan

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Arn' t those Velocity's like a Bayliner I think they share the same molds just diffent stickers on the side.
Bring that piece of crap up here to the big lake (that would be lake Michigan) with the wind blowing out of the north at 20mph and you won't make it out of the harbor in Hammond. I tell you what I'll give you a head start. If you can make it to the break wall on the south side of Chicago. Call me on the cell phone and tell me your leaving to head to downtown Chicago. and I'll wave as I go buy while you are still puckering your shorts. But I'll buy you a drink when you get there to calm your nerves. :drink:
Oh ya my boat only does 65. But that's in any kind of water.

Mark :evilb:

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Running fast is fine in your 280 Velocity. Its just FINE. I prefer to not spill my cocktail when riding in a CIGARETTE!

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Facts are FACTS! Mr Cig will eat that 280 Velocity for lunch on Lake Michigan. rfoxx, Please refrain from making any more moronic statements. You look stupid enough as it is.

I didnt know Regal's could run big water. . . :chimp:

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

ok , im sorry well send him to the lions...

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

tribe it is... man, look what this clown said now.. he needs a time out, or a beating one or the other....lol.. poor guy, too much, ride the hammer, for this fellow.. stecz

Re: What to look for in a Cafe
 

Yo Stecz................Take care of that guy :mad: :mad: WTF